In short: thoughts are normal. Notice, name it "thinking", and come back to the breath. Each return is the practice. If one thought keeps pulling, the Buddha gave five ways, tried in order (MN 20).
- 🔄 Replace it with a skillful thought
- ⚠ See its drawbacks
- 🙈 Ignore it: "close their eyes or look away"
- 🐢 Slow it down, step by step
- ✊ Firmly refuse it, as a last resort
MN 20 in full · Noting · Overthinking
Questions people ask
How do I stop thinking during meditation?
You don't need to stop all thoughts. Notice a thought, name it 'thinking', and return to the breath. For sticky thoughts, the Buddha gave five methods in MN 20.